摘要
Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of applying anodal tDCS(2 mA for 20 min)over the scalp from T3(anodal-tDCS)to Fp2(cathodal-tDCS)on the perceptual,physiological and performance responses during maximal incremental and constant-load exercise(CLE)in trained cyclists.Methods Eleven male cyclists performed maximal incremental exercise(MIE)on a cycle ergometer under either tDCS or sham,with power output,heart rate(HR),oxygen uptake(V̇O_(2)),ratings of perceived exertion(RPE)assessed throughout,and blood samples collected before and after MIE.On two separate occasions,nine subjects performed CLE at 62%of the peak power output followed by a 15 km time trial under either tDCS or sham(n=8 for the time trial).Results HR,V̇O_(2),RPE and blood samples were collected at regular intervals.There were no differences between tDCS and sham in any variable during the MIE.tDCS elicited a decreased HR(F_(4,8)=9.232;p=0.016;η_(p)^(2)=0.54),increased V̇O_(2)(F_(4,8)=8.920;p=0.015;η_(p)^(2)=0.50)and increased blood non-esterified fatty acids(F_(6,8)=11.754;p=0.009;η_(p)^(2)=0.60)and glycerol(F_(6,8)=6.603;p=0.037;η_(p)^(2)=0.49)concentrations during the CLE when compared to sham.tDCS also improved 15 km time trial performance by 3.6%(p=0.02;d=0.47)without affecting RPE,HR and blood lactate.Conclusions The application of tDCS over the temporal cortex in trained cyclists improved cycling performance during a self-paced time trial but did not enhance performance during maximal incremental exercise.These results are encouraging and merit further investigation of the ergogenic effects of tDCS in trained athletes.
